Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1918 — ARRANGING NEST FOR BROODY HEN [ARTICLE]

ARRANGING NEST FOR BROODY HEN

Try Out All Fowls Before Giving Them Eggs Selected for Incubation DUST WITH INSECT POWDER At Hatching Time Biddy Should Not Be Disturbed Until All Chicks Are Out—Plan of Model Coop Given Herewith. Thia is the way to set a hen. As the time approaches for the hen to become broody or sit, and care is taken tp look into the nest, it will be seen that there are a few soft, downy feathers being left there by the hen; also the hen stays longer on the nest when laying at this time and on being approached will quite likely remain on the ..nest making a clucking noise, ruffling her feathers and pecking at the Intruder. When it is noted that, a hen sits on a nest for two or three nights in succession and that most of the feathers are gone from her breast, ■which should feel hot to the hand, she Is ready to be transferred to a nest which has been prepared for her beforehand. The normal temperature of the hen is from 106 degrees to 107 degrees F., which varies slightly during Incubation. Dust the hen thoroughly with Insect powder, holding her by the feet with the head down and working the powder well into the feathers. The powder should also be sprinkled in the nest. The nest should be in some quiet, out-of-the-way place where the hen will not be disturbed. Move her from the regular laying nest at night and handle her carefully In doing so. Put a china egg in the nest where she Is to sit, and place a board over the opening so that she cannot get off. Toward evening of the second day go In quietly where she Is sitting, leave some feed and water, remove the board from the front or top of the nest and let the hen come off when she is ready. Should she return to the nest after feeding, remove the china egg or eggs and put under those that are to be incpbated. If the nests are slightly darkened the hens are less likely to become restless. At hatching time they should be confined and not be disturbed until the hatching Is completed unless they become restless, when it may be best to remove the chicks that are hatched first. In cool weather It is best not to put more than ten eggs under the hen. Later in the spring one can put 12 to 15, according to the size of the hen.